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This chapter introduces the concept of using aerial diatoms for hydrological process research. It summarizes current research, presents the potential and limitations for the use of aerial diatoms as tracers of hydrological connectivity, and proposes prospective ideas for further research into aerial diatom tracing. As a follow-up to the proof-of-concept work exploring the potential for aerial diatoms as hydrological tracers, investigations focused on specific aspects related to diatom reservoir dynamics on the one hand and the potential for aerial diatoms to percolate through the soil matrix. Hydrological connectivity is part of functional connectivity and describes the ability of energy, matter, and organisms to transfer between and within compartments of the hydrological cycle. A difference in the respective share of aerial diatoms compared to that of the total species abundance was obvious in the various sized catchments. Diatoms are used as tracers with high detectability and moderate reactivity. (2024-02-17)
***This entry has been automatically imported via OpenAlex by LIST harvest scripts. Please refer to https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119489702.ch11 for the original and latest version of the publication*** (2026-07-01)
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